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    HomeARC’s Investment Priorities for AppalachiaBuilding Community Leaders and Capacity

        
	
Building Community Leaders and Capacity
	
			
	
				
	
	
	The achievement of economic development goals in Appalachia is dependent upon local ability to prioritize challenges and implement impactful solutions. Many areas, especially those designated as rural and economically distressed, lack capacity at the individual, organization, or community level to effectively plan and implement strategies, capitalize on funding opportunities, and steer investments toward successful outcomes.

Through grants, Academies and Institutes, and *READY Appalachia*, ARC investments support capacity building and planning efforts, provide technical assistance and training, and offer leadership development and educational programming that empower Appalachians – of all ages and backgrounds – to participate in the strengthening of their communities.

Investment Impact

*In Fiscal Year 2022, ARC invested $21.1M in the capacity of local leaders, organizations, and communities.*




	



Developing All Types of Leaders    
    
    Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative
          Since 2001, over 2,800 students from 22 colleges and universities across Appalachia have participated in the Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative (ACRI), formerly known as the Appalachian Teaching Project (ATP).
																	
										
			

  Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy
          ARC’s Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy (AEA) is a learning experience designed to cultivate creativity and develop skills for entrepreneurial success for high school students across the Appalachian Region.

      Young woman working on a planning diagram




	



Appalachian Leadership Institute
          The Appalachian Leadership Institute is a comprehensive leadership and economic development training opportunity for people who live and/or work in Appalachia and are passionate about helping their communities thrive.

      Three women gather around table during educational session
																	
										
			

  Appalachian STEM Academy at Oak Ridge
          The ARC Oak Ridge Summer STEM Program is a residential, hands-on learning experience for Appalachia’s middle and high school students, as well as high school teachers in STEM-related fields.

      Students participate in science lab experiments





	


  
READY Appalachia
          
                      Nonprofits, community foundations, local governments, and Local Development Districts are foundational for economic development in Appalachia.
***READY Appalachia*** is ARC’s new community capacity-building initiative offering free training and flexible funding to these groups.
Participants in each ***READY Appalachia*** learning track access 10 weeks of cohort-based learning, skill development, and grant opportunities to increase their capacity to solve pressing issues and create positive economic change.
          
                      Learn More






	

Investments in Action        Generation West Virginia
							
															Using ARC support, Generation WV is providing the tools, resources, and connections young people need to stay and thrive in the Mountain State.
							
															Read Their Story





	



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      READY Appalachia Appalachian Regional Commission

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